Do governments use terror alerts to advance their political agendas?

The recent incidents over parcel bombs across Europe and the continuing threat of extremist attacks against some countries around the world is forcing governments to adopt stricter security measures.

Supporters say the tough new laws are designed to protect ordinary citizens but opponents argue that such steps do not necessarily keep people safe, but erode their basic rights and liberties.

On Monday, we will be discussing these issues with Bob Baer, a former CIA officer, and Amitava Kumar, an author and journalist who has researched how ordinary citizens of the world are impacted by the growing global fight against extremism.